Police hold 'messiah' who says he's God's gift to women

By Rory McCarthy, Jerusalem

ISRAELI police have arrested a self-styled Jewish sage and disciplinarian who ran a tightly controlled cult of at least 17 women with whom they believe he fathered dozens of children.

Goel Ratzon, whose name means ''saviour'' in Hebrew, is now on remand in a Tel Aviv jail awaiting a court appearance.

Goel Razon is taken to court in Tel Aviv.Credit:EPA

Police painted a disturbing picture of a man who commanded his household according to a ''rule book'', laying down severe restrictions and financial penalties for the women in his life.

Many of the women, who dressed in conservative Orthodox clothes, appeared deeply committed to him. Some bore tattoos of his name and face. His lawyer said he denied any wrongdoing and all his relationships were consensual.

Advertisement

Ratzon appeared in a Israeli television documentary last year that showed dozens of women and children in the house. Several women threatened to kill themselves if anyone ever tried to harm their leader.

One said: ''He is the messiah everyone is talking about. He is already here and he hasn't been revealed yet. The day he decides to reveal himself, the land will shake.''

His children all had names that were variations on his, Goel. Police believe that he may have fathered up to 40 children.

During the documentary, Ratzon, who has long white hair and a thick white goatee, said of himself: ''I'm perfect. I have all the qualities a woman wants.''

An undercover investigation was started in June last year after one woman came forward to complain of abuse.

Police then raided the house in Tel Aviv, arresting Ratzon this week. He has not been formally charged but is being held on suspicion of enslavement, rape and extortion.

Found in the house was a rule book setting out a strict code of conduct for the women, with different financial penalties for infringements.

''No women shall marry nor shall any woman attack another, either verbally or physically,'' said the first rule. The fine was listed as 2000 shekels ($A585).

Other rules banned conversation anywhere but the living room and stopped the women from asking Ratzon questions.

''No woman shall sit idle when there are dishes to be washed, cleaning to be done, children to look after,'' said another.

Ratzon's appointed lawyer, Shlomtzion Gabai, said about 30 women and 60 children were involved with him.

The children have been turned over to the authorities and some of the women have been set free.